Şehir HatlarıThe ban on L2 class (3-wheeled) electric vehicles, which came into effect in the Princes' Islands on August 1, 2026, has become a major topic of debate among island residents and visitors. Particularly, images of enormous 4-wheeled (L6-L7) vehicles being transported to the islands by Şehir Hatları ferries highlight the contradictions regarding the logic behind the ban. This situation directly concerns passengers and islanders using all Princes' Islands ferry services, especially the Kabataş - Princes' Islands route.
UKOME Decision and Vehicle Regulations in the Princes' Islands
While the UKOME decision banned the use of three-wheeled electric vehicles in the Princes' Islands, the mandatory adoption of larger and more costly four-wheeled vehicles has negatively impacted daily life on the islands. Inspections that began after the transition period ended led to the confiscation of small market vehicles, especially those used by the elderly and tradespeople, while the contradiction created by the implementation resonated widely with the public. Island residents state that while this ban aims to preserve the islands' natural fabric, bringing larger vehicles to the islands contradicts this very purpose.
Contradiction Witnessed on a Şehir Hatları Ferry
Images received by our news center, recorded on the Şehir Hatları passenger ferry named M/S MODA, concretely reveal this contradiction. The images show a giant golf-cart-style 4-wheeled (L6/L7 class) electric vehicle, at least twice the size of the banned 3-wheeled vehicles, parked at the entrance of the ferry, an area normally used by pedestrian passengers. While authorities banned small vehicles citing reasons like 'damaging the islands' fabric and 'causing traffic jams,' allowing these enormous vehicles, which are difficult to fit into the islands' narrow streets, to be transported to the islands has drawn significant backlash.
Practical Guidance for Passengers and Island Residents
It is crucial for passengers traveling to the Princes' Islands and island residents to stay updated on these new regulations. Especially for services from Kabataş Pier or Büyükada Pier, it is advisable to check Şehir Hatları's official announcements regarding changes in vehicle transport rules. For detailed information on reaching the Princes' Islands and internal transportation options on the islands, you can visit the websites of the relevant operators. This situation may indirectly affect not only the Kabataş - Princes' Islands route but also other lines such as Bostancı - Princes' Islands and Kadıköy - Princes' Islands.